Editing Paintball safety (section)

== Playing fields ==

Commercial paintball fields use controlled playing areas intended to separate active games from spectators, equipment preparation areas and other activities.

ASTM F1777 establishes minimum operational safety requirements for paintball game sites.[2]

Typical field safety arrangements include:

* Defined playing boundaries.
* Protective netting or other suitable barriers.
* Separate areas for players to prepare equipment.
* Designated chronograph and marker-testing areas.
* Rules governing protective equipment and marker handling.
* Referees or other personnel supervising games.
* Procedures for responding to injuries and emergencies.

The specific requirements depend on the type of facility, playing format and local regulations.

=== Protective netting ===

Protective netting is commonly installed around tournament fields, recreational playing areas and chronograph stations.

Its purpose is to contain paintballs within designated areas and reduce the risk of projectiles reaching people who are not wearing protective equipment.

ASTM F2184 provides guidance on the installation of paintball barrier netting.

The standard addresses netting used to separate playing fields, chronograph areas, shooting ranges and other areas where protective goggles are required.[5]

ASTM F2278 provides a method for evaluating the performance of paintball barrier netting.[6]

Netting must be selected, installed and maintained for its intended purpose. An ordinary fence or unspecified mesh should not be assumed to provide suitable paintball protection.